McMichael Funeral Home, Inc.

12/05/2025

Elsie F. (Anastasi) Long, 87, of Scott Township, died Thursday morning, December 4, 2025 at her home following a brief illness.

Born September 26, 1938 in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Kathryn I. (Genovese) Anastasi. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Nelson Long in 1965.

She had been employed by Wal*Mart for 23 years up until poor health forced her retirement a few months ago. She had previously worked for Path Mark, in Levittown and had also been employed as a cross country truck driver, years ago.

Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, flower gardening and sketching.

Surviving are her four children: John D. Long and his wife, Yvonne, of Orangeville; Linda E. Long of Westover, PA; Jean Brink and her husband, Larry, of Irvona, PA and Donna Brothers and her husband, Dennis, of Mahaffey, PA.

Also surviving are 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Louise Singleton, of Bloomsburg and an "adopted daughter", Carol Leamer, of Westover.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia I. Long in 1980; two sisters: Rosie Furlano and Kathryn Clark; and two brothers: Mario Anastasi and James Donald Anastasi.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Bristol Cemetery. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Long family. For online condolences or additional information, please visit our website:

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12/03/2025

Jean M. (Mausteller) Mosier, 102, of Greenwood Township, died Monday, December 1, 2025 at the Gardens at Orangeville.
Born November 1, 1923 in Buckhorn, she was a daughter of the late Troy and Freda (Shoemaker) Mausteller. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Fred S. Mosier in August of 1977.

Mrs. Mosier attended a one-room schoolhouse in Rohrsburg and then graduated from Benton High School.

In her younger years she had worked for the former Phillips Photography Studio in Bloomsburg and then purchased the business which she owned and operated for several years. In later years, she was employed by Haddon Craftsman in Bloomsburg, until her retirement in 1988.

Mrs. Mosier's hobbies included ceramics, photography, tending to her flowers and gardening. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

Surviving are her three children: Candace Warwick and her husband, Thomas, of Bloomsburg; Bradley Mosier, of State College; Shawn Mosier and his wife, Jenny, of Orangeville; a special son-in-law, Kevin Buck; her grandchildren: Tracey Hunter, Miranda Roberts, Marshall Buck, Zoe McCamley, Maya Mosier and Eric Mosier; nine great grandchildren and her special friend and caregiver, Shonny Shultz.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Jami Buck and her siblings: Fay Penman, June Sutliff and Gerald Mausteller.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11 AM at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton (State Route 487) with Pastor Scott Lyons, Stillwater Christian Church, officiating.

Burial will be in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Sugarloaf Township. A Viewing will be held Wednesday, December 10th from 10 AM until the time of the service at 11 at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to a local library in her name.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Mosier family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website:

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12/01/2025

Joanne E. Hess, 88, formerly of Benton, died Friday evening, November 28, 2025 at Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Berwick.

Born January 26, 1937 in Benton Township, she was a daughter of the late Fred B. Hess, who died December 5, 1996 and Helen C. (Keller) Hess, who died October 28, 1998.

She was a 1956 graduate of Benton High School and had been employed by Dol-Ang Manufacturing in Benton for nearly 20 years.

Joanne was a member of Stillwater Christian Church.

Her hobbies included crafts and sewing. During the pandemic, she made numerous masks to hand out to people.

She was the last member of her immediate family and along with her parents, was preceded in death by her sister, Jean L. Derr on March 14, 2023.

Surviving are a niece, Francie Lue Sponenberg, of Bloomsburg; two great nephews: Eric and Brett Sponenberg, also of Bloomsburg and three great great nieces: Erica, Mandy Jo and Sutton.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11 AM at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton with Pastor Scott Lyons, Stillwater Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Benton Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 at McMichael's.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne's memory to
The Animal Resource Center, P. O. Box 439, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or to the S. P. C A., 1467 Bloom Road, Danville, PA 17821.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc. of Benton, is honored to serve the Hess Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

11/20/2025

Olen R. Knecht, 79, of rural Orangeville (North Centre Township), died Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at The Gardens at Orangeville.

Born December 18, 1945 in Mifflinville, he was a son of the late Rendon and Ruth (Karchner) Knecht. He and his wife, Fay T. (Trump) Knecht, celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on June 29th.

Olen was a 1964 graduate of Central Columbia High School and then attended and graduated from the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps from November 15, 1965 to November 14, 1967 as a Lance Corporal. He had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Marksmanship Badge.

He was well known for his honest and strong work ethic. During his working career he had been employed by the former Hyde's Grade A Meat Market in Berwick; ACME Markets, both in Columbia and Montour Counties; Columbia Montour AVTS, in Bloomsburg as well as the owner and operator of Olen R. Knecht Auctions, for which he did for nearly 50 years.

He was a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church; Oriental Lodge, No. 460, F. & A. M., of Orangeville and the Millville American Legion. He was a longtime member of the PA Auctioneers Association (Northeast Chapter) as well as the State Association where he held all the offices including President. He was recognized with the "Auctioneer of the Year" Award and was inducted into the PA Auctioneers Hall of Fame.

Olen loved children and coached Little League Baseball in Orangeville for many years. He deeply cherished and valued his family, his faithful friends and neighbors.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Fay, are his two sons: Ray Knecht (Bobbi Jo), and Mark Knecht (Wendy). Also surviving are a granddaughter, Emily (Matt) and a sister-in-law, Joanne Knecht.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers: Jay K. Knecht on November 13, 2020 and Edwin W. Knecht on October 25, 2001 as well as an infant great grandson, Hunter.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the Family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to "Marine Toys for Tots Foundation", 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Knecht Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com.

"Semper Fi, my Brothers"

11/20/2025

Jan T. Jankowski, 78, of Scott Township and formerly of Benton, died Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his home.

Born March 4, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan, he was a son of the late Tadeusz A. "Ted" Jankowski, who died March 21, 2001 and Mary S. "Marie" (Lojewski) Jankowski, who died December 8, 2004. He and his wife, Charlotte M. (Jaep) Jankowski, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on June 2nd.

Jan graduated from Frankford High School in Philadelphia and then earned his B. A. degree from Temple University in Psychology. He later graduated from West Chester State College with his Masters degree.

He was employed as the Guidance Counselor for the Benton Area Jr.-Sr. High School for 19 years, retiring in 1993. He also taught GED night classes at CSIU and was an instructor at Luzerne County Community College.

Jan was a founding member of the Bible Baptist Church of Benton where he served as a Deacon, Treasurer, Youth Group Leader, and a Sunday School Teacher.

While living in Benton, he served on Benton Town Council for three years and was the treasurer for the Benton Fire Company.

Jan was an avid reader and also enjoyed traveling and camping.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Charlotte, are his four children: Daniel Jankowski and his wife, Holly, of Benton; Susan Sopkie and her husband, Dr. Steven Sopkie, of Laflin; John Jankowski and his wife, Renee, of Bloomsburg; Thomas Jankowski and his wife, Mia, of Bloomsburg; 16 grandchildren; two step grandchildren and two adopted grandchildren.
Also surviving is a sister, Sharon Hutchison and her husband, William, of Stillwater.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce A. Jankowski, on May 29, 2018.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 21st, 2025 at 11 AM at the Bible Baptist Church, 250 Shickshinny Road, Benton, with Rev. Paul S. Moseley, Sr., his Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Benton Cemetery. A Viewing will be held Friday from 10 AM until the time of the Service at 11 at the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000 or to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Jankowski Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

11/18/2025

George Alen Confair, 81, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Born on July 2, 1944 in Bloomsburg, PA he was the son of the late William Freas Confair, MD and Mary (Patterson) Confair.
George grew up in Benton and went to Benton High School. He joined the Army in September of 1961. He served in Germany and returned home in 1964. Upon his return he worked at Avco in Williamsport and worked in various other trades including working with Bechtel at the Susquehanna nuclear plant in Berwick. He eventually purchased the Benton Hotel and the Foothills Manor which thrived during the 1980’s.
George was an avid gardener and supplied many local friends and neighbors with an assortment of fruits and vegetables for many years. He was involved with township affairs and helped to establish the Benton water system and served as a volunteer fire fighter for many years. George also played a big part in starting the Benton Rodeo in 1985. He was instrumental in starting the P*e Wee wrestling program in the Benton Area. He would drive from Benton to Waller to Central picking up young wrestlers from their homes and take them to the Back Mountain area to practice and tournaments on the weekends.
Preceding George in passing is his son, George Alen Confair, Jr., in 1967, his brother, Joel in 1976 and Joselle Confair/Moyer in 2020.
He is survived by his son, George Douglas Confair; brother, Bill Confair and granddaughter, Ava Marie Confair. In addition he is survived by nephews and nieces Craig Franczak Karian Bahrens of Carlisle, PA; John and Barb Franczak of Nescopeck, PA; Jody Kaycon of Erie, PA; Bill and Susan Confair of Camp Hill, PA and Lori and Rich Franklin of NJ.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025; 11 a.m. at the Benton Cemetery in Benton, PA, with full military honors.
The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Confair family. For online condolences and additional details, please visit our website at: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com.

11/15/2025

Nancy Anne (Nazzaro) Clements passed away on November 12, 2025 at the age of 92 years old. She was born on September 28, 1933 to James V. Nazzaro and Nancy Anne D’Auria Nazzaro in Dover, N.J., the eldest of five children.

When Nancy was 4 years old, her family moved to Brooklyn (Bay Ridge) and she received her first twelve years of education there. She graduated in 1951 from St.Brendan’s High School where she played the violin in the orchestra. Soon after graduation, the family returned to Dover. She then started college at Notre Dame in Staten Island (now part of Saint John’s University) and graduated in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech.

During her college summers, she worked at a local amusement park, Bertrand’s Island. There she met Louis Moschella and his cousin Marie Ineillo, who hung around the boat ride Nan managed and kept telling her about another cousin, Albert, who was soon returning from Korea. Nan and Al met finally in 1953, and were married on May 12, 1956.

The first year of their marriage, they lived in Dover with Nancy Anne’s parents, while Al built them a house in Randolph Township, NJ. Nancy taught 4th grade at Sacred Heart School for a year, but then quit when she became pregnant and Roseola was raging in the school. Cathy was born in 1957, Mary Jo in 1960, Nick in 1963, and David in 1968.

By 1971, Nan and Al were ready to leave NJ and purchased a 40 acre farm in Townhill, PA, with lots of room for their growing sheep herd and later Hereford cattle.
Nan was a true artist in her cooking and gardening. She dubbed her meals “adventures in eating” and everyone had to at least try it. She grew bountiful flowers, dried them and crafted beautiful wreaths and other arrangements.

As her children started exiting the homestead, Nan discovered her true work passion as a children’s librarian. Most of her career was spent at Osterhout Library in Wilkes Barre, PA.
Nan was born into a Catholic family and educated in Catholic tradition; her strong faith and prayer life defined her.

Al died in 2005 and Nan lifted herself out of her grief by starting a local bereavement group who met together for many years and developed deep relationships. She also became a hospice volunteer and visited many in the area.

In 2014, after a difficult winter, she decided to sell the farm. She relocated to Binghamton,NY, close to her youngest son Dave. She spent several years in a senior apartment, but in 2022 she moved into Elderwood Assisted Living in Vestal, NY. She immensely enjoyed her new home and lived there until the time of her death.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Cathy (Bil) Holmes, Lewistown, MT, Mary Jo (Dave) Heyne, Mount Bethel, PA, Nick (Tina) Clements, Townhill, PA, and Dave (Patty) Clements, Willet, NY, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, along with another soon arriving, two sisters, Mary Lawless, Stockbridge, GA, Rita Osborne, Temple Terrace, FL, brother, Gerard (Rosy) Nazzaro, Ozark, MO, sister in law, Betty Nazzaro, Rockaway Twp, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Al, parents, brother, Jim Nazzaro, and sister in law, Florence Clements.
Her family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Elderwood Assisted Living for all the loving care they gave our mom. She truly felt at home with you. Also, many thanks to the Guthrie Hospice, and Mercy House staffs for so much kindness and love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025; 11 a.m., St. Martha’s Church, 260 Bonnieville Rd, Fairmount Springs, PA 17878. Interment at Dodson Cemetery in Huntington Township will immediately follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to Mercy House of the Southern Tier (www.mercyhousesoutherntier.com); Guthrie Hospice Vestal (https://www.guthrie.org/giving-guthrie/ways-give/guthrie-hospice); Osterhout Free Library (www.osterhout.info).

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Clements family. For full obituary, additional details, and online condolences, please visit our website at: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

11/14/2025

Susan Louise (Kline) Cole, 64, of Benton, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday November 11th, 2025.
Born on July 10, 1961, Susan was a 1979 graduate of the Benton Area School District. Susan married Edward L. Cole in 1983 at the Benton Christian Church.
Susan was the daughter of Minnie Ruth Deitrick Kline (1924-2010) and Harry Dayne Kline (1918-2007), a decorated World War II veteran.
Susan worked both in the cafeteria and as a teacher's aide in the Benton Area School District. She also made Christmas wreaths for the local community for a number of years.
Susan enjoyed her pet dogs, crocheting, puzzle and card games, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Susan is survived by her husband of 42 years Edward L. Cole, two sons; Edward L. Cole Jr., Benton, and Miles R. Cole, Riverview, Florida. A third son, Dayne L. Cole, died in infancy in April 1994, and by brothers Thomas M. Kline and Robert E. Kline and sister Kay E. Kline, all of Benton. A sister, Patricia A. Kline (1946-1954), died of pneumonia. An uncle, David R. Kline, of East Pennsboro, Pennsylvania, also survives.
Private services will be held at the discretion of the immediate family. Donations in Susan's memory can be made out to the North Mountain Fire Company, 991 Elk Grove Rd, Benton, PA 17814.
The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Cole family. For online condolences and additional information please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

11/10/2025

John Michael Barilla, 64, of Fishing Creek Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Born in Shamokin on April 26, 1961, he was the son of the late John and Mildred (Kovelski) Barilla.

John was very proud of his service to our country in the U.S. Army as a Motor Transport Specialist. He was a longtime sewing machine mechanic working at various sewing plants before they began closing. He retired from the former David J. Thompson mailing company as a machine mechanic. John enjoyed riding his Harley with family, going on long day trips or just short trips to get something to eat. He also enjoyed going to the beach with his sisters and brother-in-law. John took pleasure in planting small vegetable gardens and loved growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers. He loved his animals, owning several dogs and cats throughout his life and never missed an opportunity to spoil them. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Michele (Fisher) Barilla; his daughter, Tonya Singley and her husband, Dwayne, and their son, Davin, all of Bloomsburg; his step-children, Dakota Lockman and Maria King; and step-grandchildren, Conner and Abigail all of Bloomsburg; his brothers, Merle Bauman (Theresa) of Kulpmont, Charles Barilla (Debbie) of Strong, Paul Barilla (Pam) of Mt. Carmel; his sisters, Denise Hynoski (Frank) of Marion Heights, Dorothy Barilla and Camille Barilla, both of Danville; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Barilla of Kulpmont.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a wife, Faye Ann (Slusser) Barilla and his brother, Joseph Barilla.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025; 11:00 a.m. at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends. Interment will immediately follow the service at the New Rosemont Cemetery in Espy.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to serve the Barilla family. For online condolences and additional information, please visit www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com.

11/07/2025

Ricky D. Karns, 72, of Millsboro, Delaware and formerly of Stillwater, died Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Christiana Medical Center, Delaware.

Born June 19, 1953 at the Bloomsburg Hospital, he was a son of the late Kermit and Vivian (Kindig) Karns.

Rick attended Benton Schools and then graduated from the Columbia Montour Vocational Technical School in Bloomsburg.

While living in the Benton area, he worked as a local contractor. After moving to Delaware, he repaired boats and motors.

Rick was a social member of the Benton V. F. W. and Massey's Landing AMVETS, Post #2.

He was a member of the American Breeders Association. His hobbies included fishing, boating and in his younger years, volleyball.

Surviving are his son, Ryan Karns and his companion, Tammy, of Huntington Mills and their two children: Ayden and Lilly; his siblings: Jill Cohen and her husband, John, of Hawaii; Sherry Stauffer, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Mike Karns and his wife, Sandy, of Rhode Island; Michelle Karns of Hawaii and Lisa Wenner and her husband, Rick, of Benton as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his aunt and uncle, Shirley and Teddy McHenry, of Benton as well as his family and friends from Massey's Landing, in Delaware.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Alice Beryl Conner on August 12, 2013.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to assist the Karns Family. For online condolences, please visit our website:

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that make events difficult to handle. The experienced staff at McMichael Funeral Home will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and respect. Our...

10/30/2025

D. Keith Dudley, 67, of Rohrsburg, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 17, 1958, in Lyons, New York, he was the son of Hugh G. Dudley and the late Eleni (Starche) Dudley.
Keith was a Gulfstream pilot who enjoyed a long and accomplished career, flying for various companies including Midstates, Parker Drilling, Mazzio’s Pizza, Brunswick Boats, and Jefferies Financial Group. His work allowed him to travel the world, and one of his most meaningful journeys was a recent trip to Israel. No matter how far his travels took him, Keith loved returning home to Little Green Creek Farm in Rohrsburg—a place that brought him peace and joy.
Throughout his life, Keith was deeply committed to his faith and was an active member of several congregations, including West Barre Methodist Church in Albion, NY; Northside Christian Church in Broken Arrow, OK; Blount Christian Church in Maryville, TN; and most recently, Derrs Christian Church in Derrs, PA.
Keith’s passions were many—he loved flying, farming, fixing things, and playing golf. He enjoyed simple pleasures like drinking ginger ale and eating popcorn, playing solitaire, and cheering for his beloved Oklahoma Sooners football team. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandsons, who affectionately knew him as “Gramps.”
He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Mary (Beales) Dudley, whom he married on July 11, 1981; two sons, Mark Dudley and his wife McKinley, and Jacob Dudley and his wife Whitney; three cherished grandsons, Eli, Ethan, and Noah; his father, Hugh G. Dudley; and siblings Pam (Richard) Farwell, Naomi (Norman) Caldwell, Kerry (James) Panek, Darryl (Thomas) Smith, and Kurt (Kelly) Dudley. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleni (Starche) Dudley.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the McMichael Funeral Home in Benton, PA. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 3 p.m. at the West Barre Methodist Church in Albion, NY.
Memorial contributions in Keith’s memory may be made to Derrs Christian Church, 466 Derrs Road, Benton, PA 17814, or to Compassus Hospice, 575 Montour Blvd., Suite #1, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.
The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Dudley family. For additional information and online condolences please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com.

10/30/2025

Gladys Marilyn Smith Riegel, age 88, of Unityville, Pennsylvania, passed away October 26, 2025, at Maria Joseph Manor in Danville, Pennsylvania, after a series of health issues.

Born in 1936 in Muncy, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Ernest Monroe and Celia Edna Worthington Smith.

Gladys graduated from Hughesville High School in 1954. She worked several jobs as a seamstress and in the family business before retiring. She devoted her retirement to caring for and supporting her family. She was married to Glenn Riegel Sr. for 36 years until his death in 2005.

Gladys is survived by her children David Smith Sr. (El) and Glenn Riegel Jr. (Diane); grandchildren David Smith Jr. (Rie) and Zach Riegel; and great-grandchildren Kofuku and Hakua.

Her family remembers her for steady love, quiet strength, and the care she gave across generations. The family will hold a celebration of life later in the year; details will be shared when arrangements are finalized.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Riegel family. For additional information and online condolences please visit our website at www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com.